Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Mar 18: The fishermen community of Malpe, near here will never forget the help rendered by Manohar Parrikar, who was the chief minister when fishermen from Malpe, who had gone for fishing were arrested at the Goa border.

Eleven boats of Malpe which had five to six fishermen in each of them were confiscated by the Goan authorities saying that they violated the law. The matter was informed to the then central minister Anant Kumar. Accordingly, MLA Raghupati Bhat went with a delegation of fishermen to Goa and met Parrikar. Chief minister Parrikar, who welcomed the delegation, spoke to them cordially, offered tea and asked his chief secretary to release all the fishermen and collect a very minimal amount as fine from them.

Late Manohar Parikkar with Sri Vishveshatheertha Swamiji

MLA Raghupati Bhat recalled that incident and said, "If Parrikar had not intervened, the amount of fine would have been much bigger and also the issue would have spiraled out of control. Bhat, who had seen the simplicity of Manohar Parrikar on television, when he was the defence minister, got to meet him personally due to this episode.

When the GSB Hitharakshana Vedike held a conference two years ago in Padubidri, Parrikar was the central defense minister. He had sent a congratulatory message during that time. He had visited the Sri Krishna Math in Udupi and participated in the meeting at Rajangana. In addition, Parrikar had visited Udupi during the election time for campaigning.